Twilight tourism: U.S. hotel used in prom scenes destroyed by fire

Fans of the Twilight films who travel to Portland, Oregon on location tours were dealt a blow yesterday after a hotel which features in the cult movies was destroyed by fire.

The View Point Inn, in Portland, Oregon, which has become a tourist hub for teenage fans after being used as the venue for the prom scene in the vampire blockbuster, had its top floor totally burned after it was engulfed by flames.

The landmark is now facing closure after its owner said he could not cover the costs to refurbish it.

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Engulfed: The View Point Inn was destroyed by flames on Sunday

Before: The hotel was used as the location for Bella and Edward's school prom

The fire was spotted by two Twilight fans who were visiting the site on Sunday but after they raised the alarm Inn employees failed to get it under control with a garden hose.

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Firefighters arrived at the scene shortly afterwards but by the time the flames were doused the building had been badly destroyed.

Popular: The Twilight series has been hugely successful

Owner Geoff Thompson said he was unsure whether the insurance they had would cover the damage. He said they had recently filed for bankruptcy and would not be able to fund refurbishment.

He told KATU.com: 'I love the Inn, but I can't do it by myself any more. If Oregon wants this inn and if people want this inn, everybody's going to have to join in and save it because I just can't do it my myself.'

Co-owner Angelo Simione added: 'It just went up in smoke, and what was strange is it started low on the
roof. It was not up at the top at all.'

Authorities said the fire was caused by sparks from the chimney landing on the cedar roof.

At work: Fire crews battle to control the fire on Sunday night

Wrecked: The hotel has had serious fire and water damage and could face closure

A wedding had been scheduled for the afternoon at the hotel but guests were sent home after the fire.

'This is devastating,' onlooker Betsy Lee said. 'This is such a landmark. It's very sad.'

Twilight fans were devastated by the damage to the landmark. Stephanie Marie Mcconaghy-Holman said: 'This is so very sad.'

The View Point Inn is the setting for the famous Twilight prom scene in which Bella Swan, played by Kristen Stewart, is escorted to the party by vampire love interest Edward Cullen, played by British heartthrob Robert Pattinson.